WCBU Reports

Rep. LaHood on why he voted for the new Farm Bill

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:41:53 +0000

The new Farm Bill that the U.S. House has approved faces an uncertain future in the Senate. Lawmakers remain at odds over food assistance and year-round use of ethanol in fuel. Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood voted for the Farm Bill. In this interview with WCBU reporter Joe Deaon, LaHood says the measure was a necessary compromise.

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Rep. LaHood talks about the war in Iran and soaring gas prices

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:48:17 +0000

Gas prices keep soaring as the U-S war in Iran shows no end in sight. In this interview with WCBU reporter Joe Deacon, Peoria-area Republican Congressman Darin LaHood says he's ready to see the Trump administration find a way out of this war -- to help bring down fuel prices soon.

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State lawmakers consider legislation to rein in new data center proposals

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:45:07 +0000

Illinois has one of the highest number of data centers in the country. But as residents worry about their water and electricity use, state lawmakers are considering legislation to rein in new data center proposals.

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Retiring Peoria police chief reflects on his tenure, touts department's advancements

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:48:38 +0000

Retiring Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria believes the department is in a better place than when he took the job five years ago. This is Part 2 of our interview with the retiring police chief.

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Echevarria to retire as Peoria police chief; Dixon tabbed as successor

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:55:32 +0000

Police Chief Eric Echevarria informed the city he will retire as of May 15, after serving nearly five years in the role. WCBU's Joe Deacon talks to Echevarria about his record and what's next.

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Women are less likely to receive CPR in an emergency. A state lawmaker wants to change that

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:51:08 +0000

An Illinois lawmaker has proposed a bill to require high schools to provide female manikins for CPR training. Women are 27% less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men because of concerns of inappropriate touching, exposing of the chest or accusations of sexual assault, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association.

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Interview with new OSF HealthCare CEO Michelle Conger

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:48:16 +0000

It's been a long leadership transition for one of the area's largest employers. Michelle Conger has taken over as CEO of OSF HealthCare following the retirement of Bob Sehring. Those plans were announced in 2024. Conger, who was been with O-S-F for several decades, tells WCBU reporter Joe Deacon why they set up the transition that way.

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Pekin union painter shares the value of apprenticeships in a statewide professional development program

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:42:07 +0000

Christina Harms is a union painter with Peoria-based Mid-Illinois Companies and Associated Constructors in Bloomington. She's also part of a cohort of apprentice ambassadors advocating for apprenticeship as a path toward a variety of careers.

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Mayor Ali eager to see downtown growth from traffic pattern change, other planned projects

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:47:06 +0000

The multi-year project to convert Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue to two-way traffic in downtown Peoria is on track to be completed by early summer, and Mayor Rita Ali is eager to see the anticipated benefits for the area.

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James Shadid reflects on first year as Bradley's president

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

It's been one year since James Shadid took over as its 13th president at Bradley University. Shadid tells WCBU reporter Joe Deacon the first year on campus has been a "whirlwind."

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Rep. Sharon Chung wants to limit corporate money in elections

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

An Illinois lawmaker from Bloomington wants to limit corporate money in elections, but it could face legal challenges. Democratic state Rep. Sharon Chung, who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal and Peoria plus rural areas along Interstate 74, has introduced a bill that would change the definition of corporation powers in the law by stating corporations cannot engage in activities related to primaries or elections. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

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Central Illinois lawmaker joins calls to reform the Pretrial Fairness Act when it comes to domestic violence

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

A Republican state lawmaker has joined Central Illinois law enforcement in calling for changes to the state's landmark criminal justice reform bill called the SAFE-T Act, but Democrats want to wait for more data before making a decision.

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Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos reflects on trends and data from 2025

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

An annual report released this month by the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office offers a statistical look at criminal justice in 2025. Highlights include charges filed in all 12 of the year's homicides, a 40% decrease in drug charges, and more than 350 juvenile cases filed. State's Attorney Jodi Hoos says it's the first time her office has produced a snapshot look at their side of the local legal system. WCBU reporter Joe Deacon talks with Hoos about what she views as the successes of her department in the past year.

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Illinois lawmakers look to regulate data centers as local governments propose their own rules

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Several local governments in Central Illinois are looking to create their own data center regulations as Illinois lawmakers have yet to take action regulating this emerging industry. Data centers are seen as key to fueling an AI revolution. Critics worry they could drain water and electricity supplies that are needed to power them. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

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It's eagle nesting season in Illinois. One nesting pair calls a Illinois state park home

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The bald eagle used to be a rare sight in Illinois. Now, there are more than 3,000 that spend the winter here. IPR's Jess Savage reports.

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Illinois lawmakers consider removing the 2-year foreign language requirement for high school

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Two Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would remove the two-year foreign language requirement for high school.

The requirement was signed into law in 2021 but does not go into effect until 2028. High school students will need to have completed the requirement to graduate.

State Rep. Travis Weaver, representing a rural area between Peoria and the Quad Cities, is the Republican sponsor of the bill to have the requirement dropped.

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Q&A with Patrick Urich about redevelopment plans in downtown

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The City of Peoria is getting closer to unveiling redevelopment plans for the downtown block anchored by PNC Bank Building. City Manager Patrick Urich says they received proposals from three developers, and they've been in talks with the one of them about the desired vision for the three properties currently owned by the city. WCBU reporter Joe Deacon talks with Urich about a range of other topics, including the latest on plans for the block.

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Rep. Sorensen sees no end in sight to partial government shutdown

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:48:03 +0000

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said the partial government shutdown, now in its fifth day, is the only way to force Republicans to the negotiating table. WCBU's Lauren Warnecke spoke with Sorensen.

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Ranked choice voting stalled in Illinois, waiting for clarity from the courts

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:48:13 +0000

Several Illinois municipalities are trying to implement ranked choice voting, but confusion about Illinois election law has slowed the implementation process. Several lawmakers are trying to change that. WCBU state capitol correspondent Evan Holden reports.

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Despite concerns, LaHood doesn't break with administration over vaccinations

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In an interview with WCBU and WGLT, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is expressing some concerns about vaccine policy but is not breaking with the Trump administration’s broader approach, emphasizing the importance of vaccines while also calling for transparency and public trust.

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Q&A: Pastor Brian Russell eager to bring new ministry to East Bluff in former St. Bernard’s church

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:18:56 +0000

The former Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church in Peoria’s East Bluff neighborhood soon will be home to a new ministry. Centerpoint Community Church Pastor Brian Russell hopes to carry Saint Bernard’s spiritual legacy forward.

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OSF, ImpactLife help provide blood services to Eureka-Goodfield EMS

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Eureka-Goodfield EMS will be the first service in Illinois to offer a pre-hospital blood transfusion program. Two ambulances will now carry two units of O-positive red blood cells and two units of plasma. Dr. Matthew Jackson, medical director of pre-hospital and EMS at OSF HealthCare, tells student reporter Ben Howell why this area of patient care has been growing.

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OSF adds 'Victoria' to OB-GYN team, pushing emergency preparedness in mobile maternal care

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

OSF HealthCare has added a new member to its OB-GYN training team. “Victoria” is a high-tech birthing simulator that can replicate a variety of birth emergencies, including rare, high-risk complications. An addition to the mobile maternity care unit, “Victoria” provides advanced practice providers [APPs] with the skillset to effectively prepare for any situation they come across on the road.

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Republican candidates for governor appear at Tazewell County GOP's forum

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:43:28 +0000

The four Republican Party candidates for governor of Illinois told a Central Illinois audience Thursday evening they favor property tax caps, pension reform, ending Illinois' status as a "sanctuary state," and rolling back the SAFE-T criminal justice reform act which ended cash bail.

About 500 people heard from former state Sen. Darren Bailey, the party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee; Ted Dabrowski, former president of conservative think tank Wirepoints; two-term DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick; and Barrington Hills real estate developer and Gold Rush Gaming owner Rick Heidner.

The Tazewell County GOP hosted the forum in Washington, Illinois.

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Central Illinois veterans hockey team supports each other, on and off the ice

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:56:38 +0000

The Veteran Warriors hockey team touts itself as the only sports program in Central Illinois dedicated to rehabilitation and therapy for disabled veterans. They strive to provide a buddy-check support system and an experience for veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse, or other issues.

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Q&A: Chris Kaergard, League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 22:18:21 +0000

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria President Chris Kaergard speaks to WCBU reporter Joe Deacon about Monday night's “Refuse to be Silenced” teach-in speaking engagement, featuring five area leaders discussing the possible local impacts from the “Big Beautiful Bill” and other federal policies.

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Q&A: Grayeb discusses his 24-year tenure on the Peoria City Council

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:52:46 +0000

Chuck Grayeb’s last regular Peoria City Council meeting is Tuesday, as his 24-year tenure is drawing to a close.

Grayeb originally served three terms as an at-large council member, and now has spent the last 12 years as the District 2 representative.

Heading into his final weeks as a council member, Grayeb spoke to WCBU reporter Joe Deacon to reflect on his years of service.

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LaHood discusses town halls, DOGE cuts and Trump policies

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:09:32 +0000

Amid recent calls to host a town hall meeting with constituents, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said he frequently makes himself available to the public.

“I come back every single weekend to my district. I meet with any constituent that wants to meet with me. I’ve had numerous telephone town halls. In the past, I’ve had lots of town halls throughout my district,” said LaHood.

The Dunlap Republican did not commit one way or another to holding a town hall. Earlier this month, the National Republican Congressional Committee discouraged House Republicans from holding in-person town halls to avoid confrontations.

“Anybody that wants to meet with me, I will meet with them,” said LaHood, whose 16th District includes parts of Peoria, McLean, Tazewell and Woodford counties visited the Peoria area Wednesday.

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Busy Corner welcomes customers back over busy reopening weekend

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 22:39:27 +0000

A popular, decades-old Woodford County eatery is fully reopened after a November fire led to a prolonged closure.

Busy Corner in Goodfield started welcoming customers back into the building Thursday, four months to the day after the overnight blaze caused significant interior damage.

For owner Derek Vollmer, the timing could not have worked out much better.

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Illinois state climatologist Ford highlights concerns over NWS, NOAA cuts

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:08:16 +0000

Among the agencies targeted for staff reductions by the Trump Administration are the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says the cuts will have wide-ranging detrimental effects.

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New DDC leader Waible examines challenges, opportunities for downtown Peoria

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:44:28 +0000

Chris Waible is nearly four months into his new position as the president and CEO of Peoria's non-profit Downtown Development Corporation.

The Peoria native is back in his hometown after spending the past four years working in real estate business development in Wisconsin. He takes over leadership of the DDC from Michael Freilinger, the organization's original president and CEO who retired after 11 years.

Waible joins the challenge to restore vibrancy to Peoria's downtown amid a glut of vacant office space and a need for reinvestment. He explains why that's an opportunity he's eager to tackle.

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Q&A: Urich discusses downtown efforts, provides building status updates

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 23:01:12 +0000

Peoria City leaders continue to explore possible opportunities to restore vibrancy to the downtown area.

Last fall, the city purchased the PNC Bank building, also known as the Tower on Adams complex, in hopes of attracting a private developer to pursue a mixed use, commercial and residential development.

Meanwhile, the Riverview Plaza tower commonly known as the Chase Bank building remains shut down due to code violations that remain unresolved.

City Manager Patrick Urich discusses how Peoria is eager to find ways to bring more people to the central business district.

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Peoria County Regional Superintendent Crider discusses impacts from potential elimination of Education Department

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:48:15 +0000

The Trump Administration’s plans sweeping cuts to curtail federal spending have put the U.S. Department of Education in the crosshairs. How much of an impact could a potential dissolution of the federal Education Department have on public schools in Peoria County?

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Yunus carries Afterfund’s quest to help nonprofits with their funding from Europe back home to Peoria

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 23:30:59 +0000

A lengthy career in the finance world has taken Omar Yunus from Peoria to Europe and now back, as he works to grow a startup aimed at helping nonprofit organizations find sustainable funding.

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Research: Smoke from California wildfires often brings increased air pollution to Midwest

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:17:57 +0000

The dangers of air pollution from the smoke generated by West Coast wildfires can be more widespread and long-term, potentially impacting Central Illinois.

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East Peoria Mayor Kahl addresses possibility of casino relocation: ‘I’ve not moved from my stance’

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

With owner Boyd Gaming preparing plans for a new gambling facility, Peoria city leaders have taken steps to make sure any land-based casino is located within their city’s boundaries. But what does this mean for East Peoria?

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Struggling Peorians find a place to call home through city rent assistance program

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

A City of Peoria program is helping unhoused people overcome the last few barriers between them and a home.

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Wild rice dwindled in parts of the Upper Midwest. Now efforts are underway to bring it back

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 21:37:07 +0000

Wild rice grows in shallow waterways in the Great Lakes region and parts of Canada. It’s a plant that holds important ecological and cultural significance, but it’s been on the decline since the early 1900s.

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Meet the 3 candidates running to replace Chuck Grayeb in Peoria City Council District 2

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Three candidates want to represent the district that includes downtown, much of the West and Center Bluffs, and a swath of Central Peoria that runs up to Glen Ave. That area also includes major higher ed institutions like Illinois Central College and Bradley University.

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Midwest builders are using wood in a new way to construct high rises. And it's climate-friendly

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

A wood building material can be used in high-rise structures, giving it the potential to replace materials that are bad for the climate, while also locking carbon into buildings for decades.

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WCBU Reports 12-5-24

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

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What’s next for Peoria’s unhoused residents, advocates following the city’s ban on public campsites?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Anxious. Uncertain. Fearful. These are just a few of the emotions Peoria’s unsheltered residents and advocacy groups are feeling in the aftermath of the city’s recently approved public encampment ban.

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New reads coming to the Peoria Public Library in December

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Central Illinois’ student journalists snag bylines in local papers

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Access to news in rural communities is dwindling, as newspaper staffs shrink and publications shutter. For these communities, some reports are coming from unexpected places.

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Welcome to Morton — a bite-sized ‘capital of the world’ that produces a whole lot of canned pumpkin

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The pumpkin pie Americans enjoy each Thanksgiving often comes from pumpkins grown near Morton, Illinois. The region accounts for more than 95% of canned pumpkin in the U.S.

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'Food is probably the biggest one right now:' PPS looks to meet unhoused students needs

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Peoria Public Schools currently has 326 children identified as homeless.

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Insects are making sounds the human ear can't hear. One Midwest scientist is listening

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Thousands of insect species use vibrations to communicate. Now, in part because of the foundational research of a Midwestern biology professor, more researchers are exploring insect vibrational communication to ward against pests and understand climate change.

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Two retired administrators drive push to lower chronic absenteeism in Peoria Public School

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

District 150’s chronic absentee rate was 39.4% during the 2023-24 school year, compared to the state average of 26.3%. That's according to the latest state report card.

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Anxiety, uncertainty grips Greater Peoria LGBTQ community heading into another Trump presidency

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Greater Peoria’s LGBTQ community is anxious about what Donald Trump’s second presidency will mean for them.

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Drought delivers a big blow to wildlife already grappling with disease and habitat loss

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Tazewell County Health Department grant opens mental health first aid training to the public

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The need for mental healthcare services is constant. In some places, particularly rural areas, it can be a struggle to find a provider.

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How a new landfill deal was hammered out for Peoria County

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The construction of Peoria County's third landfill is back on track, even if it is coming later than anyone expected.

But if you ask any member of the deliberation group who hammered out the latest agreement on Landfill Three, the end was nowhere in sight just a few short months ago.

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To stay on the farm, more and more farmers are working second and even third jobs

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

You might have an image of a farmer in their tractor or with a bucket feeding livestock.

The reality is farmers can often be found in office cubicles, driving school buses or stocking shelves.

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A look at new reads at the Peoria Public Library this November

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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A new leader at the East Bluff Community Center is starting with the fundamentals

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The most recent hire for the position says he's prepared to bring some stability.

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District 150, Pekin 108 look to further improve proficiency, chronic absenteeism

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges.

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PAAR president Hilton sees signs for optimism in Peoria real estate market as 3Q home sales increase

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:10:30 +0000

Fueled by interest rate cuts and rising consumer confidence, home sales in the Peoria market seem to be turning a corner.

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Accomplished archer enters Illinois' Outdoor Hall of Fame

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:30:41 +0000

This year's inductees for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame include an archer with an incredible resume tucked into his quiver.

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Some first time Peoria voters will also be first time Peoria election judges

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On election day, you may take just a few minutes to go to your nearest polling place, make sure your registration is in order and cast your ballot. A handful of students from a Bradley University government class will be spending their entire day there to make that process go smoothly.

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WCBU Reports 10-30-24

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

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Morton embraces its identity as 'pumpkin capital of the world

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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A fascination with food drives first generation farmer Evan Barry

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Sandwiched between Roanoke and Benson a little less than an hour outside Peoria, there's a white farmhouse sitting on almost an acre of land. That's the new home of Down River Farm and its owner, first generation farmer Evan Barry.

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Peoria City/County Health Department receives another federal grant for Lead Safe Program

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

A $6 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be used to continue the health department's Lead Safe Program that provides inspections and lead removal for Peoria homes built prior to 1978, when the federal ban on lead paint went into effect.

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A different approach to juvenile crime starts with a new court in Peoria County

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

A broad coalition of city, county and state organizations are working on a new approach to juvenile justice.

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Baseball stars as theater actors? Bradley professor’s book details stage exploits of deadball players

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Imagine today’s Major League Baseball stars picking up offseason side jobs as theater actors. It may sound strange now, but it happened relatively often in the sports “deadball” era.

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Rep. Lahood sees opportunity for hostage deal after death of Hamas leader

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Community college students have less access to research experiences.

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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A start-up for start-ups: SmartStart program works to assist small businesses development

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:51:48 +0000

Getting a new small business off the ground can be challenging, and even more so in some smaller communities. But one local company is working to help people across Peoria and Tazewell Counties navigate the process.

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WCBU Reports 10-14-24

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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GPEDC’s Setti emphasizes Peoria area’s position at intersection of agriculture and manufacturing

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As the fall harvest season arrives each year, the economic significance of agriculture in the Peoria area becomes highly visible. That’s a fact Greater Peoria Economic Development Council CEO Chris Setti has come to appreciate after growing up in suburban Los Angeles.

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Green thumbs: Peoria Garden Club celebrates 100-year anniversary

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:16:03 +0000

Gardening is a thousand-year-old practice. For the past 100 of those years, growers in the Peoria area have turned to the Peoria Garden Club to flex their green thumbs.

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Tenth district circuit judge candidates look to impact their community from the bench

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Voters at the polls on Nov. 5 are choosing who will fill the seat of the tenth district circuit court judge.

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Peoria County resident circuit judge candidate John Spears

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this interview, WCBU's Collin Schopp speaks with John Spears, the Democratic candidate for a Peoria County resident circuit court judge seat. He's running against Republican Judge Frank Ierulli.

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Q&A: Mayor Ali addresses Cure Violence fallout, Peoria's need for anti-violence initiatives

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The termination of the Cure Violence program has raised questions and prompted a criminal investigation into possible financial malfeasance. Mayor Rita Ali discusses the problems with the program and how the void it left behind can be filled.

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Q&A: Peoria Mayor Rita Ali explains city’s purchase of, plans for downtown PNC Bank Building

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Peoria recently agreed to spend $1.75 million to buy the downtown PNC Bank Building, along with an adjoining office building and parking deck. In part one of our latest monthly interview with Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, she explains the benefits of the acquisition.

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American workers are burning out, in what experts call a 'Great Exhaustion'

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

If you’re feeling exhausted at your workplace, it’s not just you. Experts say the American workforce is undergoing a “Great Exhaustion.”

The term, coined in a Dec. 2023 New Yorker article, is how West Virginia University Chair and Professor of Behavioral Medicine and Psychology James Berry describes the phenomenon resulting in 60% or more of the U.S. workforce saying they are “moderately burnt out” or more.

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Western Avenue Greenway Project a unique urban park maintained by neighbors for their community

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

A cluster of urban greenery running along six blocks of Western Avenue near Bradley University may not seem like anything terribly remarkable to a casual passerby, but this grassroots park isn't quite like any other in Peoria.

The Western Avenue Greenway Project isn't managed by the city of Peoria or by the Peoria Park District, but by the neighbors themselves.

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Futures for Peoria's food waste include redistribution, composting

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The average American household throws away more than a thousand dollars of food every year. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that, nationally, 30 to 40 percent of the food supply is wasted annually.

Fortunately, there are paths for food waste that don’t end at the landfill.

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Q&A: Peggy Jacques outlines Peoria’s need for a senior center

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Peoria is the largest city in Illinois without a senior wellness and activity center. Peggy Jacques is spearheading a push to get a senior center built in Peoria.

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Developers, business owners join city leaders in Delavan’s renewed push to restore downtown vibrancy

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The city of Delavan in southern Tazewell county is making a reinvigorated push to revitalize its historic downtown corridor.

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A grant helped remove barriers for some of Peoria's future educators

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The organization Peoria Grow Your Own distributed a $5,000 grant among 9 women last year, for necessities like professional clothing, gas and childcare.

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A new Illinois bill would allow only accredited surgical techs in operating rooms

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

If you've ever been on the operating table, there's a good chance you took it for granted that the medical staff surrounding you were certified to do their jobs.While that's mostly the case, there's one job specific to surgery where that may not always be true.A bill in Springfield is seeking to change that.

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Why Peoria-are hospitals are skipping the fees for no-show appointments

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

A growing number of hospitals are looking for other solutions to no-show appointments, instead of costly fees.

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East Peoria Mayor Kahl discusses push for a new TIF district to spark future development on riverfront

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

East Peoria Mayor John Kahl says he’s committed to making sure the city maintains a welcoming atmosphere for businesses, and that’s a big reason behind the move to establish TIF district along the Illinois River.

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What you need to know about vaccines before flu season

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Medical professionals in Peoria County say some things are the same as any flu season, while other things have changed to create new challenges. There are three diseases experts expect to circulate this year: COVID-19, Influenza and RSV.

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Search for new Bradley University president underway

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Bradley University Interim President Jonathan Michael says they hope to have a new president in place by the start of the next school year.

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‘It’s almost like James Bond:’ Peoria County getting GPS dart launchers for deputy patrol cars

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

An advanced technology coming to Peoria County offers the ability to track stolen vehicles without needing to engage in high speed pursuits.

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WCBU Reports - 9/9/24

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"Law and Order." That's what Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos says has been her goal since she was first appointed to the office in 2019. Now, five years later, Hoos faces a challenger from outside her own party for the first time.

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Peoria Mayor Rita Ali desires ‘humane and strategic’ approach to removing street encampments

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As the city of Peoria grapples with how to address its unhoused population and discourage people from camping in public locations, Mayor Rita Ali is taking a clear but layered stance.

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Here's what's motivating young Peoria area voters ahead of the November election

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Research shows Generation Z is getting more politically involved than older ones did at their age.

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WCBU Reports 9-3-24

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Peoria Ag Lab fermenting a solution to ethanol production stumbling block

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:57:32 +0000

Scientists at the Peoria Ag Lab are concocting a new solution to a problem that's long plagued the ethanol production process.

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'Pride and Persistence' continues Peoria author Joe Chianakas's Karate Kid love story, with plenty of new twists

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:50:48 +0000

There's new twists galore in a Peoria author's latest installment in his book series centered around the travails of high school martial-arts enthusiast Aiden Rothe and friends.

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Peoria City Council apprised of progress on landfill agreement

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:26:02 +0000

Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich expects an agreement with GFL Environmental on plans to address the delayed construction of a new landfill will be in place by the end of September.

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Artist Preston Jackson thinks on the past, while crafting a statue for the future

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:26:18 +0000

More than four years after removing a statue of controversial explorer Christopher Columbus from upper Laura Bradley Park, the Peoria Park District has commissioned an artist to create a replacement.

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Renovation of Peoria Park District golf facility moves into full swing

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:22:07 +0000

The long-anticipated transformation of the Peoria Park District’s Golf Learning Center into an interactive entertainment facility is now underway.

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From prison to preaching: book follows Peoria man's unique journey into Christian ministry

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:27:36 +0000

Steven Snook's path to Christian ministry wasn't like most. His story begins not in seminary school, but in federal prison.

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Riverfront Museum display cases mark new relationship with Peoria tribe

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:29:17 +0000

New display cases at the Peoria Riverfront Museum hold an impressive collection of hand-carved waterfowl decoys, but they’re also the symbol of a new business relationship between a Native American tribe and the city that bears its name.

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River Kitty Cafe finds homes for dozens of adoptable cats

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:44:34 +0000

Almost six months in, Peoria's River Kitty Cafe is purring right along. The combination coffee shop/cat cafe has found a forever home for dozens of furry friends.

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